Peak District Trip 1

by Matt Everett

Peak district trip report
After a later departure the first peak district trip for SUMC began. The drive was long, arduous but rewardingly interspersed with KFC.

After a swift nodding off, interrupted repeatedly with Alex Cutts snoring, we all woke up ready to tackle the rain that was waiting for us outside. Naturally, we headed to Outside in Hathersage for a hot cup of something before deciding a plan. A split decision saw half of the group head to the works for some top class indoor bouldering, while the rest headed to Stanage for a walk (Emily opted for the latter option as it seemed less likely she could injure herself).

The walkers set off from a surprisingly empty stanage car park and wandered across the top in the driving rain. We stopped at robin hoods cave for lunch and to enjoy the view without getting rained on.

Meanwhile at the works, injured Adam W decided to crank hard on his bad elbow.

Once again we returned to Hathersage, although slightly more damp this time, had another cup of hot something and retired to Chinley to once more enjoy the wild rope swing. Adam W began cooking the epic meal (fajitas) for everyone while the others returned from the Works. We all sat down, laid the table, peeled the veg, served the sauces and waited for Betty to return from visiting her brother.

And waited.

When she turned up, all hell broke loose and the meal was successfully devoured by all, Laura demonstrating true genious by making two at once (so no one could steal her contents). Our host Adam W spent a good hour eating his and was lucky I didn’t step in…

The cardboard box game saw some epic flexibility and floor licking from the finalists which would come in handy the following day (not). Before we went to bed we warned Alex Cutts about his snoring and what monetary value would be thrown at him if he continued.

He did, and awoke surrounded in pennies.

Sunday saw fantastic grit weather - Cold and dry which meant a good day at Burbage would be had. We bundled into the cars as fast as we could and left Chinley.

I started with Betty and Norman up Triangle Buttress Indirect (S) followed by a cheaty exit to Big Black ‘un (HVS 5a). Leah sent Triangle Buttress Arete (VD) which proved to test her gritstone-smearing-abilities! Adam headed off with Florian to tackle the classic Mutiny Crack (HS 4b) which would later see alot of traffic. Linge took Angel and Su to Baseless (HVD) While Hugo and Tim then did Triangle Buttress Indirect. My attempts to sandbag Tim on the HVS failed.

After a bit of a swap around, Betty lead Cranberry Wall (VD) while Leah did Cranberry Crack (VD). Again, a further test of classic gritstone abilities much to Laura and Emily’s frustration. But Emily didn’t have an injury so that was fine. Linge on the other hand had managed to slice off the end of his finger whilst belaying Su, so plasters and fingertape were required.

Some soloing over lunch saw the group move to remergence buttress where Betty, Leah and Adam lead the bold but photogenic Detour (HVD). I did a bit of bouldering and sent The Hanging Rib (f6b) and Remergence Start (also f6b). Alex Cutts decided that Chockstone Chimney (Mod) was too boring to go under the chockstone, so instead opted for an awkward starfish finish over the top. Florian was getting to grips with his first trad lead on Slanting Crack (VD) which also saw travel from Leah, Laura and Emily.

I finished the day on Mutiny Crack with Norman, Tim and Betty, who managed to finish the climb through sheer determination and will power! After some final routes from Tim and Florian, we headed back to the car park to go home.
Despite a bad Saturday, the Sunday made up for it and an enjoyable venture onto the grit was had by all. Even an M50 closure couldn’t dampen our high spirits - much to the disappointment of Tim’s respite.